Between now and the start of fall camps on Aug. 8, meet the players stepping into key roles for the Ducks and Beavers

Who: Kiko Alonso Position: Middle linebacker Year: Junior Height, weight: 6-foot-4, 247 Replaces: Casey Matthews (led team with 79 tackles). Lowdown: Alonso is a wild card who could pay off huge or continue to disappoint. Alonso missed last season with a knee injury and twice has landed in coach Chip Kelly's doghouse for alcohol-related incidents and subsequently has been suspended indefinitely. Kelly said at Pacific-12 Conference media day that academic and behavioral issues needed to be addressed before Alonso's status could be updated. But the media guide depth chart lists Alonso as the starter at middle linebacker, flanked by outside linebackers, junior Michael Clay and senior Josh Kaddu, who have 52 games of combined experience. With Matthews and Spencer Paysinger now in the NFL, the Ducks need a reliable replacement. Alonso, who will compete with senior Dewitt Stuckey, would give the Ducks a middle linebacker with the prototypical physical attributes of a potential first-round pick. Providing he can keep his nose clean and his head in the game.